Exercises - Lesson 3

The Minor Arcana

Review the lists of suit qualities. They describe some positive and negative expressions of each suit. Don't try to memorize these lists. They are simply designed to give you a first feel for the energy of each suit. When you're ready, go through the word pairs below. For each pair, give the suit and expression (+ or -) that seems most appropriate to you. For "dependable and careful" you might say "Pentacles - positive." You can check my suggestions, if you wish. When your choices are different from mine, try to figure out why. In this way, you begin refining your own understanding of each suit. You can also have a friend quiz you using new two-word combinations from the lists.

sullen and lazy

prim and humorless

witty and well-informed

judgmental and controlling

cheerful and bold

thorough and practical

calm and sympathetic

logical and outspoken

irresponsible and cocky

loyal and down-to-earth

critical and arrogant

whole-hearted and passionate

temperamental and sulky

sensitive and loving

foolhardy and rash

moody and frail

stubborn and gloomy

honest and objective

persistent and firm

aloof and domineering

spiritual and intuitive

hasty and unprepared

creative and adventurous

overcautious and rigid

Exercise 3.2 - Suit Qualities - Clear-cut Examples

Many aspects of daily life reflect the energy of one suit in particular. For each activity below, state the suit and expression you believe fits that activity best, and name a few qualities that support your choice. Going skydiving might be a "Wands-positive" activity because you must be "daring, energetic and confident." (or a Wands-negative activity because it is "foolhardy and reckless!)" You can check my suggestions, if you wish.

always needing to have everything just so

getting drunk the night before an important exam

being where you say you will, every time

solving a math problem

using the tarot cards

cheering your team on to victory

listening to a friend talk about her troubles

making a cruel, sarcastic remark

refusing to apologize when you're wrong

treating those "beneath" you with disdain

seeing a project through to the end

brooding over a perceived slight

volunteering for a dangerous, but vital mission

quitting your job in a moment of anger

arbitrating a dispute

finding dirty work distasteful

Exercise 3.3 - Suit Qualities - Blended Examples

In most events, the four suit qualities blend together. For each activity below, name two positive suit qualities that would contribute to success and two negative ones that would take away from it. Do this for each suit. For example:

to keep love alive....
- Wands: be passionate and enthusiastic, but not impatient and hot-tempered
- Cups: be romantic and loving, but not broody and touchy
- Swords: be honest and honorable, but not cold and judgmental
- Pentacles: be loyal and dependable, but not unexciting and inflexible

managing a project

creating a work of art

raising a child

closing a sale

Exercise 3.4 - Suit Qualities in Yourself

The different suit qualities combine in each person to create his or her personality. Examine yourself in light of the four suits. Ask yourself these questions: